Trump’s Warning on Immigration in Europe
During his recent visit to Scotland, Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Europeans about the dangers of mass immigration, stating, “These immigrants are killing Europe.” I remember when I met him in The Hague about five weeks ago; he expressed similar concerns and encouraged me to continue advocating for the safety of the Dutch people. It’s clear that Trump prioritizes America, and while not everyone in Europe is on board with that, he at least acknowledges the threats faced by ordinary Europeans from uncontrolled immigration.
Europe, he stresses, needs to take decisive action to avoid becoming merely an extension of northern Africa or an outpost of the global Islamic community. It’s urgent. As the leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV)—the largest political party in the Netherlands—I can attest to the serious nature of this situation. We previously held significant influence in the Dutch government coalition until we opted out in June due to opposition from our centrist partners, who refused to adopt a plan halting the influx of refugees and asylum seekers.
On the ground, many Dutch people are generally welcoming. However, it’s essential to differentiate between genuine asylum seekers and those who are merely entering illegally. The latter, often referred to as fake refugees from neighboring Germany and Belgium, should not be allowed in. We joined the government with the intention of closing our borders and suspending asylum applications entirely. Sadly, we faced constant pushback from centrist and leftist politicians, unelected officials, and activist judges, which has hampered our progress significantly.
That’s why I felt compelled to push for elections focused on immigration. The upcoming general election in the Netherlands this October will reflect a critical moment, akin to that flight on 9/11 where brave passengers took control of the plane to avert disaster. Voters across Europe need to recognize the gravity of their choices—will they choose to effectively close borders or jeopardize their children’s futures?
Just thinking back to August 2015, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to open European borders to migrants from the Middle East and Africa fundamentally changed the landscape. This has allowed millions of asylum seekers, including many young, unskilled men, to flood into Western Europe and challenge communities that are simply unprepared for such an influx, leading to financial strains, cultural shifts, and demographic challenges.
Dr. Jan Van De Beek, a mathematician and immigration analyst from the Netherlands, has estimated that the long-term costs of asylum seekers could reach around 800,000 euros per person. Other nations are facing similar issues, prompting Denmark to incentivize Syrian refugees to return home. Meanwhile, in Germany, the successor to Merkel has tried to accommodate groups that pose a threat to Western values.
The cultural ramifications of mass immigration could be profound. For instance, the current 7% of the Islamic population in Britain is predicted to rise to nearly 20% by the end of the century. If we do not close our borders, we risk losing the very traditions that define European, Christian, and humanist societies, paving the way for increasing Islamization.
We might risk eroding the fundamental principles of our civilizations—democracy, freedom of speech, and equality before the law. Yes, it’s true that not all Muslims are extremists, but there’s a worrying trend where a fraction seem to prioritize religious laws over secular ones. Some studies indicate that a minority—even here in the Netherlands—believes violence in the name of Islam is acceptable. Speaking from personal experience, I’ve faced threats for my criticism of Islam and have lived under constant police protection for two decades. That’s a heavy price to pay for freedom of expression.
A recent survey shows that about 60% of the Dutch populace believe Islam doesn’t belong in our society. And the frustration is palpable—people are tired of violent incidents, anti-Semitic attacks, and the sense of insecurity that pervades daily life. The political elite’s reluctance to address the growing intolerance brought in by some immigrants must end. Our people yearn for their safety and freedom to be restored.
The alarming rise of anti-Semitism in Europe is also troubling. Incidents involving Jewish individuals are increasing, and it feels like a precursor to worse outcomes if this trend continues unchecked. This is not just a Jewish issue; it’s indicative of a broader societal crisis that could engulf us all if we don’t act now.
It’s crucial that we approach these challenges with urgency. Last June, my party proposed a series of measures to tackle these issues, but our centrist partners rejected them. Instead of boosting our border security, they chose to deny entry to Israeli officials, all while allowing more lenient immigration policies from countries like Turkey.
In the upcoming October elections, the Dutch people have a chance to make a stand. I urge everyone to reflect on their responsibility. As Abraham Lincoln famously said, “Avoiding it today will not escape the responsibility of tomorrow.”
